When Anurag Kashyap speaks about his films, he does so with conviction — and sometimes, bold comparisons. This time, the filmmaker has set his sights on Hollywood.
Promoting his recent crime drama Nishaanchi, Kashyap claimed that the special effects work in his film is better than that of Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler.
It’s a statement that has sparked immediate curiosity.
Inside Nishaanchi: A Double Role Done Differently
Divided into two parts, Nishaanchi follows twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo, both played by Aaishvary Thackeray, as their lives collide amid family feuds in Kanpur. The film leans heavily on visual effects to convincingly portray the dual characters.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Kashyap explained that the film’s double-role execution wasn’t a quick technical trick.
“For me, both parts of Nishaanchi, with special effects, with the actor playing two different kinds of a double role — which I am very proud of — what Sylvester and Red Chillies Entertainment have achieved… I can very proudly say that it is better than Sinners,” he said.
He clarified that the two characters were shot two months apart, not simply achieved through costume changes. The goal was to create two genuinely distinct personalities — not just twins on paper.
The Hollywood Comparison
Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore. The film has been widely praised for its technical finesse and ambitious storytelling, even earning major recognition during awards season.
By placing Nishaanchi alongside a global production like Sinners, Kashyap isn’t just praising his VFX team — he’s making a larger point about evolving filmmaking techniques in India.
He also noted how South Indian film industries are adopting faster, more efficient workflows — shooting and editing simultaneously, minimizing shot-heavy breakdowns, and focusing on performance-driven storytelling.
What Makes Kashyap So Confident?
Kashyap’s confidence seems rooted in execution. According to him, the VFX in Nishaanchi aimed to erase the “double role gimmick” feel entirely.
Instead of relying purely on digital overlap, the film reportedly focused on performance differentiation, body language shifts, and shooting schedules spaced months apart to give each twin a distinct identity.
It’s an ambitious move — especially in a crime drama grounded in realism rather than fantasy.
Meanwhile, Kennedy Finally Gets a Release
While Nishaanchi continues to spark conversation, Kashyap is also gearing up for the digital release of his long-delayed film Kennedy.
The thriller premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, earning a seven-minute standing ovation. Despite clearing the censor board, its theatrical release stalled due to production issues. Now, the film — starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone — is finally set to stream on Zee5 on February 20.
For Kashyap, it’s been a phase of both creative pride and release struggles.
Final Words
Comparing an Indian crime drama to a Hollywood awards heavyweight is no small claim. But Anurag Kashyap isn’t one to shy away from bold statements.
Whether audiences agree that Nishaanchi surpasses Sinners in VFX is something time — and viewers — will decide.
But one thing is clear: Kashyap is fiercely proud of what his team has achieved. And in an industry often accused of playing safe, that confidence alone is making noise.
